How Long Should Your Gap Year Be? - By: Mark Bottell

It’s one of the main questions that people ask themselves when they are planning a conservation gap year. But the truth is there is no set answer. There are a number of factors that could influence how long you decide to stay away from home on your gap year, and you should take these into account when you are planning your trip.

Programme Length

When you go on a conservation gap year, you will normally be taking part in a specific programme. Whether this is counting turtles in the Indian Ocean or surveying lions on the African plains, you will be paying to join an organised programme. These programmes vary in length from a week to a few months. Whereas sometimes you will only be permitted to stay for the length of the programme, other schemes might be of a more ongoing nature and allow you to stay as long as you like. Find out about the details of the gap year programme that you are interested in joining and this should provide you with a better idea of how long you will be away from home.

Independent Travel

One of the most popular aspects about a conservation gap year programme is that you can tie it in with some independent travel afterwards. If you have a thirst for adventure and you want to get even more out of your time abroad, you could decide to go travelling after your placement ends and see some more of the region where you are based. Some people go off backpacking solo around the country, whereas others join up with overland tours which are especially common in Africa and can last for months. Look into your options and think about whether you would like to go travelling before you leave home, then you can extend your gap year to fit your plans.

Homesickness

Homesickness is something you never think will affect you until you are halfway across the world. It can be very hard to cope with, especially if you are going away for the first time. Even though you are in an amazing environment, and you know that you are having the adventure of a lifetime on your gap year, it could still affect you. If you think that you might get homesick, this could well impact how long you decide to stay in the country; so just be aware that it could get in the way of your plans to stay away from home for longer.

Money

Unfortunately, even if you want to stay away from home for longer on your gap year, you will probably have some kind of financial limit. Travelling is not always cheap, and there may be a time when you are forced to go home before you are ready. Always plan your finances in advance to make sure you have enough to keep going, even if you don’t think you will stay for longer, because you might want to change your mind when you are there.

Spend as Long as You Want on Your Gap Year

When you plan your conservation gap year, make sure you take the above areas into consideration. Whether you end up going for a few weeks or a year, you’ll have an amazing experience. But a bit of forward planning always helps and will enable you to get the most out of the experience.

About the Author

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other http://www.worldwideexperience.com/wildlife_conservation_placements.htm"> wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Mark-Bottell/95891

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